Kentucky Theatre

In 1926 there were two theatre listed as operating in Cadiz, the Gem Theatre and the Strand Theatre. Both had closed by 1930 and there were no theatres listed as operating in Cadiz in the early-1930’s. The Gem Theatre was back in the listings in 1935, but was listed as (Closed).

The American Legion Theatre was listed as (Closed) in 1936, but had reopened as the American Theatre in 1937. By 1939 it had been renamed Legion Theatre. By 1941 it had been renamed Kentucky Theatre. Owned by the Smith family, the Kentucky Theatre was still operating in 1955 when the seating capacity was reduced to 225. The Kentucky Theatre was closed on June 3, 1967 with Dean Martin in “Murderer’s Row” & Elvis Presley in “Fun in Acapulco”.

It was converted into government office space. By 2024 it was in use as the Mason Jar selling second-hand goods.

Recent comments (view all 2 comments)

Joe Vogel on March 5, 2014 at 9:16 pm

The December 27, 1913, issue of The Moving Picture World had this item:

“Alexander Brothers & Company, of Cadiz. Ky., have completed their new picture house, which has been named the Gem, and opened it to the public. The house is one of the prettiest in that section.”

The January 13, 1939, issue of the Daily Kentucky New Era said that Andy Anderson had bought the American Legion Theatre in Cadiz and would change the name of the house to Kentucky Theatre. Anderson also operated theaters at Eddyville and Hartford, and had previously operated the Kentucky Theatre at Hopkinsville.

dallasmovietheaters on December 1, 2024 at 10:34 am

The last ad listed for the Kentucky Theatre on Main Street was June 3, 1967 with “Murderer’s Row” and “Fun in Acapulco.” Weeks later, the Tragg County government took over the building for office space.